Travel guide to Marseille's food and culture.
Marseille is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in 600 BC. During this long history its importance has come from its position on the Mediterranean and the distinction of being one of the most important ports of the ancient and modern world.
For the tourist this makes the trip to Marseille an interesting one. Like any port city, Marseille has been a beacon for immigrants looking for a better life. This is partly reflected in the city's division between the more affluent southern section of town and the less advantaged north section.
Like many other port cities this has also meant the visitor can experience the pride of Mediterranean cuisine - bouillabaisse. You might call it fish soup. But, for the residents of Marseille, it's truly a gift from the gods. Restaurants serving bouillabaisse are all over the city and you don't need to break the bank for an excellent meal unless, of course, you want to.
The Old Port (Vieux Port) serves as the center of life, economy and culture for the city. If you're up early enough, you can find the small boats coming in with their daily catch of fish and, if you're up not so early, you can visit the fish market and find fish fresh from the sea to the boat to you within hours. If you're observant enough, you'll see the proprietor of your favorite neighborhood restaurant buying that night's dinner.
From the Old Port you can walk down the main street for Marseille, la Canebiére. The famous boulevard, named for the hemp makers who used to work there, might have seen better days as the place to see and be seen, but it still has the flavor of earlier days and you'll be able to find quite a few places to eat, shop and sightsee. Much of the port and the city was bombed during World War II but the city fathers have worked diligently to rebuild Marseille for tourists and residents alike. The Marseille Tourist Office is on la Canebiére and this should be your main stop to find out about the numerous museums and festivals that are part of the city's life.
Like any city of its size and importance, Marseille has much for the tourist to find of interest. The annual Festival de Marseille brings dance, music and theater to the city in June. One of the world's prized shows for documentary film, FIDMARSEILLE festival, is also held in Marseille in the summer.
Although the history of the port goes back before the days of ancient Rome, not much is left for the tourist to see of this early period, although a recent excavation near the Marseille Bourse on la Canebiére has uncovered some artifacts. Some of these can be seen in exhibits set up at the Bourse as well as art commemorating the more recent maritime history of the city.
Two National Theaters provide a national treasure for visitors to the city. A recent revival in interest in theater will either please you with its variety and strength, or make you wish you paid more attention in French class. The Marseille Opera will allow you to ease the pain of not knowing French, especially since so many of its shows are in Italian.
Marseille has a deserved reputation for being a rough city. Its residents have worked hard there for over two thousand years. However, the culture and the life and especially the bouillabaisse have been provided by the people of Marseille so that they can enjoy the finer things in life. Lucky for us we can enjoy them as well.
